String-protector and finger-board cover for stringed instruments.



\No'; 633,776. Patented Sept. 26, I899. C. F. ALBERT.

STRING PROTECTOR AND'FINGER BOARD COVER FOR STRINGED INSTRUMENTS.

(Application filed Jag. 17, 1899.)

(No Mgdel.)

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

CHARLES F. ALBERT, OF PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA.

STRING-PROTECTOR AND FINGER-BOARD COVER FOR STRINGED lNSTRUMENIS.

SPECIFICATION forming partof Letters Patent No. 633,776, dated September 26, 1899.

Application filed January 17,1899. Serial No. 702,578. (No modem To ctZZ whom it 'ntc'ty COI'LOCY'I'I/I Be it known that I, CHARLES F. ALBERT, a citizen of the United States, residing in the city and county of Philadelpl1ia,State of Pennsylvania, have invented a new and useful Improvement in String-Protectors and Finger- Board Covers for Stringed Instru m ents,which improvement is fully set forth in the following specification and accompanying drawings.

My invention consists of an improved construction of string-protector and finger-board cover for stringed instruments, the novel features of which will be hereinafter fully set forth, and particularly pointed out in the claims.

Figure 1 represents a perspective view of a finger board cover and string-protector for stringed instruments embodying my invention, showing also an instrument to which the same is applicable. Fig. 2 represents a section on line as 00, Fig. 1. Fig. 3 represents an inverted plan view of the protector, showing the manner in which the deflected side walls are formed. Fig. 4 represents a longitudinal sectional view of the protector. Fig. 5 represents a perspective view of another form of fastening device. Fig. 6 represents a plan view of another form employed, if desired.

Similar letters of reference indicate corresponding parts in the figures.

Referring to the drawings, A designates the protector, the same consisting of a top portion B, the depending side walls 0, and the elastic loops or end fastening devices D and E, either solid, elastic, or any other material, the device E passing around the scroll head or neck of the instrument, while the device D engages the end pin F. In order to form the deflected side walls 0 in a cheap and expeditious manner, Islit the edges of the proteeter at about the point indicated at G and overlap and fasten the same, as indicated at H, by stitching or otherwise, wherefrom it will be seen that a slight pucker is formed, and the sides C will be deflected in substantially the manner indicated, whereby said sides assume the position seen in Figs. 1 or 2 when the protector is placed in position, and since they extend to about the body of the instrument the strings thereof and their adjuncts are effectively protected and the cover is held from lateral movement at points adjacent the bridge of said instrument, and thus does not rub off the rosin which has accumulated by bowing from those portions of the strings adjacent said bridge.

J designates a pocket formed in the upper side of the protector, the same being provided with a covering-flap K and forming a convenient receptacle for strings, gages, tYC.

If desired,instead of the elastic loop E,whieh engages the scroll M or head of the neck of any string instrument, I may extend the top 13 of the protector so as to form a hood L, the latter being continued around said headpiece, so as to effectively protect every portion thereof.

The body of the protector may have employed in conjunction therewith a chemically-prepared strip, which is inserted in the material forming the protector, or the entire protector can be chemically prepared, or, if desired, a full strip can be placed upon the under surface of the protector, so as to face and lie contiguous to the entire length of the strings, instruments, or desired portions thereof.

It will thus be seen from the foregoing that I have produced a cheap and effective stringproteetor which can be readily manufactured and placed in position and removed therefrom, said protector covering the strings and adjacent parts and effectually protecting the same from the injurious and unfavorable influences of atmospheric changes, dust, or any other substances are liable to settle thereon or on the rosined parts near the bridge of the instrument.

It will be seen that when the elastic cord E is employed the function of the same will be to draw the protector l3 tightly in position, substantially the same result being obtained by the employment of the hood L. (Seen in Fig. 5.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is

1. A string-protector and linger-board cover for a stringed instrument, consisting of a top portion, side walls extending therefrom, for preventinglateral movement of said protector relative to the strings of the instrument at points adjacent to the bridge thereof and fastening devices for said cover, said devices being adapted to engage the extremities of said instrument, and to stretch said protector and cover so as to hold the same tautly in position.

2. A string-protector and fin ger-board cover for stringed instruments, consisting of a longitudinally-extending top portion, having deflected side Walls, the latter being transversely slitted, and overlapped, and elastic fastening devices for said protector, said devices engaging the ends of said instrument.

8. Astring-protector and finger-board cover consisting of a top portion and side Walls, the latter being formed by transversely slitting the edges of the protector, overlapping and securing the same, a pocket in the upperportion of the protector, a flap for said. pocket and fastening devices for the ends of the protector.

4. Aprotector-forstringedinstrumentsconsisting of a top portion having a pocket, a iiap thereon,side \valls,t-he latter being formed by cutting, overlapping and securing the severed edges of the protector in juxtaposition,

a hood fastened to the tailpiece end of said I I protector and adapted to engage the tailpiece of the instrument, and fastening devices For the opposite ends of the protector.

5. The combination of a stringed instrument, a finger-board cover and protector for the strings thereof, said protector consisting of a longitudinally-extending flexible top portion, deflected side walls extending to nearly the body of the instrument and serving to pre vent lateral shifting, and elastic fastening devices attached to said protector and adapted to engage the ends of said instrument.

6. A strin g-protector and finger-board cover portion having a pocket therein, and side walls, the latter being transversely slitted, overlapped and secured and fastening devices common to the ends of said protector and to the ends of said instrument.

CHARLES F. ALBERT.

\Vitnesses:

WM. 0. WIEDnRsHEIn, E. HAYWARD FAIRBANKS.

for stringed instruments consisting of a top 

